Over 80 companies were represented at RTITB's inaugural partner conference in Birmingham last month.

Over 80 companies were represented at workplace transport training accrediting body RTITB's inaugural partner conference, held recently at the Birmingham Crowne Plaza in the UK.

The companies from the UK and Ireland are part of the network of RTITB-accredited organisations.

Operations director of RTITB Laura Nelson opened the event with the organisation's vision for workplace transport. RTITB's vision statement is: "By 2020, we would like all materials handling equipment training to be delivered by accredited training organisations. This will protect employers, help the Health and Safety Executive when things go wrong, make the industry safer and make the industry more efficient. How we are going to get there is through working in partnership with our accredited organisations and really educating those purchasing training."

"Through the partner conference, we have introduced our accredited organisations to a new way of thinking," Nelson says. "It's a way that involves working in partnership with each other."

Nelson also spoke about the opportunities available to the accredited organisations, presenting delegates with valuable market research and demonstrating the size of their business opportunity.

Accredited organisations connected with each other throughout the day, both at the event and via social media. Delegate Phil Harvey of Icetec Training tweeted on the day: "I have been here an hour, I have already met new friends and been inspired."

Speakers for the event included Andrew Wetters from the UK Health and Safety Executive; Richard Dainty from RTITB-accredited organisation Peter Hird & Sons; director of Molokini Marketing Nik Webb; Peter Swanson from the Cranfield University School of Management; and bestselling author Nicola Cook.

Award-winning entrepreneur and international best-selling author Cook presented a session titled 'Secrets of Success'. Cook has worked with large corporations like American Express, Procter & Gamble, Gucci and Disney. She shared her 20 years' experience in the field of professional selling and personal and business growth with RTITB's accredited members.

The company representatives networked with fellow RTITB-accredited organisations and discussed shared issues within the industry. RTITB also shared insider knowledge about business plans for the next five years.

The organisation has confirmed that this will become an annual event.